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Switzerland goalie Benaglio quits national team

Published on NewsOK
Modified: August 20, 2014 at 11:45 am •
Published: August 20, 2014

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BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio announced he had retired from international football on Wednesday aged 30.

Benaglio went to three World Cups and was Switzerland's first-choice 'keeper in 2010 in South Africa and in Brazil. His 61st and final international was July 1 in the 1-0 loss to Argentina after extra time in the Round of 16.

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2012 file picture Swiss national soccer goalie Diego Benaglio saves the ball during a practice session in Jona, Switzerland . Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio says he is retiring from international football aged 30. Benaglio went to three World Cups and was Switzerland's first-choice 'keeper in 2010 and in Brazil. His 61st and final international was during the 1-0 loss to Argentina in the Round of 16. Wednesday's Aug. 20, 2014 announcement comes days after FIFA's World Cup technical report praised Bengalio among the "good examples of this new generation of goalkeepers" who are skilled with the ball at their feet. (AP Photo/ Keystone/ Alessandro Della Bella, file)

The announcement in a Swiss Football Association statement comes days after FIFA's World Cup technical report praised Bengalio for his performances.

Benaglio was counted among the "good examples of this new generation of goalkeepers" who are also skilled with the ball at their feet.

Instead, the Wolfsburg player said he will concentrate on his club duties and spending more time with his family.

Switzerland's new coach, Vladimir Petkovic, had already named Benaglio as his top 'keeper.

Yann Sommer of Borussia Moenchengladbach is expected to replace Benaglio when Switzerland begins its 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign against England in September.